Thursday, July 25, 2013

Spotlight on Criminal Justice Grads

In recognition of Union Institute & University’s recent commencement ceremony in Sacramento, we asked three new graduates of the Criminal Justice Management program “How has your Union Institute & University experience changed your life?”

During my law enforcement career, it was
always a personal goal to complete my college degree. In November 2011, I
submitted an interest card to Union Institute & University’s Sacramento
Academic Center. Shortly after, I was contacted by Sandra Lee, director of
admissions at the center. After about a two hour conversation, I enrolled in
the Criminal Justice Management program.

After just two weeks into my first course at
Union Institute & University, I was extremely inspired and motivated to
complete my degree. In March 2013, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Criminal
Justice Management, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. Not only did Union Institute
& University assist me in reaching my educational goal, but it also
assisted me in obtaining the rank of Police Lieutenant. My experience at Union
Institute & University has continued to motivate me, as I am currently
working on obtaining my master’s degree.

Lt. Frederick H. Bobbitt, Jr. started his law
enforcement career in 1985 as a police explorer with the Fremont Police
Department. In 1987, he was appointed to reserve police officer and in 1990 he
attended Ohlone Community College while serving as a detention technician for
Fremont’s city jail. He was appointed to Fremont police officer in 1997 and
later advanced to detective, investigating robberies and homicides for eight
years. In 2008, he was promoted to police sergeant and assigned to the Patrol
Division. Two years later he became a detective sergeant, supervising
investigators in Fremont’s Investigative Division.

Lt. Bobbitt is the recipient of Union Institute &
University’s Mark Dunakin Award for his extraordinary achievement throughout
his undergraduate program. While deeply committed to his studies and earning a
4.0 GPA, he was promoted to lieutenant at Fremont Police Department. Lt.
Bobbitt is an excellent student and well-respected in his career. He will be
recognized at the 2013 commencement in Sacramento for his outstanding
accomplishments.

Sergeant Tony
Silva

B.S. Criminal Justice Management, 2013

Mark Dunakin Award Recipient

Turlock, California Police Department

As a 27-year veteran
in law enforcement I realized deep into my career the importance of a college
degree. I was determined to earn my bachelor’s, and in 2011 I enrolled in Union
Institute and University’s Criminal Justice Management program. In December 2012
I was seriously injured in the line of duty. Even while in the hospital with
multiple leg fractures, I continued my academic studies. I was really
determined; nothing was going to stop me from reaching my goal of a bachelor’s
degree. The hard work paid off and in March I completed the Criminal Justice
Management program. I am so proud to be a Union Institute and University alum.
When I first enrolled at Union it was with an admittedly narrow focus of
obtaining my degree for the purpose of testing for lieutenant. Since being
injured I am even more thankful than ever to have my degree because it opens so
many possibilities should I not be able to return to full duty.

Right after graduation
from high school Sgt. Tony Silva attended Modesto Junior College, but chose to
work full-time instead. After working as a grocery clerk and industrial
electrician he graduated from Modesto Junior College Police Academy in 1987 and
served as a deputy sheriff for San Joaquin County from 1987 to 1989. He joined
the Turlock police department and was later selected as a field training
officer and SWAT operator. In 2007 he returned to Modesto Junior College and
was promoted to sergeant in 2008. Silva earned his Bachelor of Science in
Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute & University in 2013. He
was selected by the faculty to receive the Mark Dunakin Award in recognition of
his deep commitment to law enforcement and his perseverance in the face of
adversity.

I was a busy single parent, balancing my
career with raising my son during his high school years. (I am proud to say
that he now serves in the US Army, as I once did.) When I felt comfortable that
my son was on a stable career path, I finally had the opportunity to focus on
my lifelong dream of continuing my education. At the age of 48, I decided that
I wanted to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management through
Union’s Sacramento academic center.

Last year was finally the right time to do it!
I had heard great things from many Union Institute & University graduates
and was convinced to move forward. I opted for the criminal justice management
on-ground site in Placer County because I could study among my peers in the
county where I am employed.

As a working person, Union Institute &
University met my educational needs and schedule in a convenient location. The
educational focus on criminal justice management matched up with my personal
focus and I was able to infuse my “real life experience” to meet many of the
educational requirements. Most importantly, Union Institute & University
was an accredited university.

Earning my bachelor’s degree is the
achievement of a lifelong dream. It has made me a stronger positive role model
for my son and those I work with. I have been able to apply the things I
learned in my classes directly to my job. I am confident that my bachelor’s
degree will open doors for future opportunities for me.

John Weaver has been a lieutenant with the Placer County Deputy
Sheriff’s Office since 1992. He has 22 years of experience serving in numerous
military assignments, as part of the US Army and as a reservist with the Air National
Guard, in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He later
transitioned his military skills into a career in law enforcement, working in
corrections, patrol, community service officer, search and rescue, dive team,
and special enforcement. When he is not working, Lt. Weaver enjoys riding his
motorcycle and reading R.A. Salvatore.